Mapeza: No red carpet for Emmanuel Jalai

Scottland coach Norman Mapeza says he will not roll out a red carpet for Warriors star Emmanuel Jalai to walk into his first XI.

The talented right-back Jalai is set for a six-month loan stint at the “moneybags”, Scottland FC. Jalai arrived in Zimbabwe last week after Durban City and Scottland FC reached an agreement for his loan move.

Jalai, who had a six-year spell with Harare giants Dynamos FC, is a sensational addition to the team. His arrival also pushed Godknows Murwira out of the club as he was subsequently loaned to FC Hunters.

WHAT NORMAN MAPEZA SAID ABOUT EMMANUEL JALAI AND NICKSON NYASULU 

Emmanuel Jalai at Durban City FC. Picture by Durban City/Facebook

However, Mapeza insists Jalai, despite his reputation, will not walk easily into the team. Jalai joined along with Malawian Nickson Nyasulu, who was at FC Platinum. Both are yet to bw registered.

After beating FC Hunters 3-0 on Saturday, Mapeza said: “The two, Jalai and Nyasulu, are not guaranteed places in the team. They have to fight for their places.”

The 27-year-old will return to Durban in January 2027, with his contract at Durban City set to run until December 2027.

The Zimbabwe international made 19 appearances for Durban City across all competitions last season, with 15 in the Betway Premiership and four in their Nedbank Cup-winning campaign.

By joining the Betway Premiership side, he had snubbed Scottland FC, who were in hot pursuit of his services at the time. But they managed to win him via Durban City FC.

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